Wabba: strip governors of immunity

Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President Comrade Ayuba Wabba has said governors should be stripped of immunity because nobody is above the law.

Speaking with The Nation, Wabba said all citizens are equal before the law, adding that the fact that governors are privileged to provide leadership did not mean they are above the law.

He pointed out that the issue of immunity was absurd. “Criminal proceedings should, therefore, not be allowed to be deterred by immunity. For civil cases, it may be allowed. This is to strengthen our democracy.

“If you look at most of the cases that have festered in courts for years, you will see that the immunity granted these public officials contributed a great deal to delaying them.

“On the fight against corruption, every Nigerian must subject himself to the rule of law and while in office, criminal proceedings should be allowed to be initiated, irrespective of the person involved,” Wabba said.

He said labour had submitted a formal letter to all the tiers of government, especially the executive, to address these issues.

According to him, if immunity is removed, having specialised courts for the quick dispensation of justice would advance administration of justice.

His words: “We will not relent in lending our voice through advocacy, and at the end of the day we should be able to have a result.

“We call on Nigerians and the media to join us to advance these issues together because those that are enjoying the immunity are not likely to make a move. They are benefiting from the system and so they won’t be happy if for the immunity removal.

“There is going to be a memorandum, because we will provide an opportunity for organisations and individuals to submit memorandum and be part of the process. Law is about the people and we are the people”.

On minimum wage, he said discussions had been on for a long time; what is left is for the government to announce the composition of the constituted committee earlier set up and inaugurate it.